Are All of the Televisions in the Household DTV-Prepared?

To be DTV-Prepared, ALL televisions in the household must be
able to receive digital TV signals in one of three ways: (1) by
cable or satellite TV service; (2) with a digital tuner built into the
television; or (3) through a digital-to-analog converter box.

Determine the Television Sources: If any television in
the household receives TV signals over-the-air using a rabbit ears or
rooftop antenna and it doesn’t have a built-in digital tuner – maybe an
older television in the kitchen, garage, or spare bedroom that is not
connected to cable or satellite – a digital-to-analog converter box
will be needed for that television.

Does the Television Have a Built-In Digital Tuner?:
Consumers can determine if a television has a digital tuner by
visiting DTVtransition.org. The brand and model number
are required. Generally, televisions made after March 1, 2007
have built-in digital tuners and televisions made before July 1, 2004
have built-in analog tuners. The manufacture date and the model
number or name are labeled on the back of the television.
Televisions labeled ATSC, HDTV, EDTV, SDTV, Digital Tuner, or
HiDef have digital tuners, but televisions labeled NTSC, HD-Ready,
Digital-Ready, or Digital Monitor do not have built-in digital
tuners. Another approach is to check the television manual or
contact the manufacturer for specific information.

Buying a Digital Television: A new digital television is
not needed to be DTV-Prepared. However, if a decision is
made to buy a new television, be certain that it has a built-in digital
tuner. The least expensive digital televisions have 480p
resolution. It is not necessary to purchase a higher-end HDTV or
“high definition” television (HDTV with 720p or 1080p resolution) to
view regular digital signals, but HDTV is necessary to view true “high
definition” digital broadcasts.

Determine Whether to Add a Cable or Satellite Subscription:
Obtaining a new cable or satellite subscription, or an
additional connection for a television that currently uses an antenna,
is one means to prepare for the DTV Transition. For new
subscribers, initial sign-up discounts and specials rates may be
available. Comcast, Cox, and Verizon offer cable service in
Fairfax County. Ask the cable or satellite operator to provide a
written description of the details of any special promotional
offer. All cable operators offer a lower-priced limited basic
package that includes only broadcast network and public, educational,
and governmental access channels. For current subscribers, it may
be necessary to pay an additional monthly rental fee for an additional
cable set-top box or satellite receiver to view all-digital broadcast
channels. In some cases, additional wiring may also need to be
installed. However, some cable and satellite operators may be
willing to waive installation charges or offer equipment without charge
for up to one year. Be sure to ask the operator if any special
promotions are available.

More information about the digital television transition is
available on the following topics: